Margaret Newman's Theory of Health as Expanding Consciousness - Term Paper Example

 Margaret Newman's Theory of Health as Expanding Consciousness Introduction The explanation of human behaviour can be based on a series of criteria. Usually, the coexistence of different interests is explored in order to understand whether the responses of people in a specific social framework are justified or not. On the other hand, the behaviour of people in different social conditions is expected to be differentiated – being influenced by the trends developed in the relevant social environment. For this reason, the identification and the evaluation of human behaviour require the simultaneous examination and analysis of the environment in which humans develop their activities. The above need has been identified by Newman, a well-known researcher in the field of health theory. Newman tried to analyze the potential relationship between health and consciousness. Apart from theory, empirical research was also highly involved in the research developed by Newman. The observation of patterns has been a common method employed by Newman trying to identify the level at which health can be considered as expanding consciousness. The various aspects of Margaret Newman's Theory of Health as Expanding Consciousness are examined in this paper; Emphasis is given on the methods employed by Newman during the development of the theory but also on the correlation of this theory with all theories developed in the same field. The relationship between the nurse and the patient is used as example in order to explore the effects of the Newman’s theory on the social relationships developed in the healthcare sector. The main finding of this study is that the criteria and the methods employed by Newman could be criticized as of their appropriateness in different social conditions. On the other hand, the application of the theory of Newman on a clinical case has led to the assumption that the specific theory is characterized by flexibility. This means that it could be effectively applied on current social conditions under the terms that all influencing factors – mainly health – would be taken into consideration. 2. Margaret Newman's Theory of Health as Expanding Consciousness 2.1 Development of the theory Newman has tried to identify the terms under which health can be considered as expanding consciousness. The theory of Newman has the following advantage: it is heavily based on empirical research; indeed, Newman tried to test her assumptions using appropriately customized paradigms. In accordance with Alligood et al. (2005) Newman emphasized on the empirical research as a tool for verification of assumptions that were initially based on theories. In this context, it is noted that between 1986 and 1997 ‘Newman investigated sequential patterns of persons with heart disease and cancer in relation to the theory of health as expanding consciousness’ (Alligood et al., 2005, p.498). The empirical research described above was just part of the similar activities developed by Newman. The theory of Newman on Health has been differentiated from similar theoretical frameworks, mostly at the following point: in accordance with Newman, health is not independent from disease – a view shared by most theorists who refer to health as a concept which can be developed separately from disease (Picard et al., 2005, p.4). In fact, Newman noted that health should be viewed as ‘the synthesis of disease and non-disease’ (Newman, 1995, p.106). The theory of Health as Expanding Consciousness has been developed gradually; particular attention has been paid at the forms of pattern and its potential role in explaining relationships developed in the context of health, such as the nurse-patient relationship. One of the key beliefs on which the theory of Newman is based is the fact that ‘life is a process of expanding consciousness’ (Picard et al., 2005, p.4). In this way, the patient-nurse relationship is also developed within the specific framework being related to a continuous increase of consciousness. The initial element of the theory of Newman is the pattern. The understanding of pattern – not necessarily only in regard to health – can lead gradually to consciousness as the concept is reflected in the theory of Newman. On the other hand, patterns are used in order to show the relationships developed within a specific social framework. In this way, patterns reflect the patient-nurse relationship (Picard et al., 2005, p.5). Newman describes her experience in observing patterns as follows: through the long term observation of patterns (meaning also relationships) a distance is developed between the individual (who observe a pattern) and the objective approach used in the explanation of pattern. In the long time, a consciousness is developed that a dialectic approach should be used in order to explain patterns – and not an objective approach - which has been commonly used when having to evaluate specific social frameworks (Newman, 2000, p.16). It is revealed from the above that Newman based her views in regard to the patient-nurse relationship to a dialectic approach and not an objective one – as it could possibly expected. Another implication of the theory of Newman – as described above – is the fact that the specific theory can promote commitment within a particular social environment (Parker, 1990, p.163); this aspect of Newman’s theory is of particular importance for the nurse/ patient relationship. Through the theory of Newman, the commitment of nurses towards the patients could be increased; however, it would be necessary that the criteria of this activity would be set in advance; the establishment of the theory of Newman in a healthcare setting should not serve personal interests but only specific social interests. The form and the characteristics of the theory of Newman could be understood by referring to the theoretical context in which the specific theory was developed. In accordance with Kim et al. (2006) the views of Newman on health are based on the following works: a) the holistic view on humans (Rogers) and b) the idea of Young in regard to the importance of the increase of consciousness (Kim et al., 2006, p.297); it is clear that the theory of Newman on health has been influenced by different theoretical approaches. In its completed form, the theory of Newman is expected to preserve these theoretical perspectives. In certain cases, differentiations have been introduced in the theory of Newman aiming to increase its effectiveness – based on the fact that the elements of social environment cannot be standardized even within social frameworks that have similar characteristics, for instance the health care units. 2.2 How is nursing conceptualized in the theory? Use of Newman’s theory by nursing authorities As noted above, in the context of the theory of Newman, health is related to disease; thus the theory of Newman on health incorporates the nurse-patient relationship, since disease is not considered to exist independently from health. In order to understand the form of nursing as described in the theory it would be necessary to refer to the theoretical frameworks that have influenced the theory of Newman. This practice is followed for the following reason: the examination of health as consciousness is highly based on the examination of patterns; these patterns reflect the relationships developed within a specific community. Moreover, patterns have been equalized with the patient/nurse relationship – in fact, patterns reflect the relationships developed within a particular social environment. From this point of view, nursing is considered to be a framework in which the patient-nurse relationship is developed. Under these terms, the theory of Newman can be used in order to understand the patient/ nurse relationship but also to understand the pressures and the challenges faced by nurses in their daily activities within their organization. It is made clear from the issues developed above that nursing is highly related to the theory of Newman on health. Moreover, the specific theory has been proved to be effective in regard to the control and the evaluation of consciousness of patients on health. Administrators in healthcare units and nurses promote the specific theory – even if they do not intend to. More specifically, the role of nurses in healthcare units is primarily to help patients to understand their health conditions and the treatment required. In this way, nurses of all levels help the patients to increase their consciousness on health and disease. In this way, the relationship between nurses and patients would be also benefited – in the context described above. 2.3 Value of the theory The value of the theory of Newman is significant. At the first level, the specific theory is related to a sector, which is of high importance for the social framework in all countries worldwide; health, as part of the social life, has a key role in the development of human activities. In fact, health is a necessary criterion for the development of activities in all social and economic sectors. From this point of view, the theory of Newman can help to understand the importance of human relations in the achievement of various personal and social targets. The theory of Newman refers to the relationships developed in the context of health – especially the nurse – patient – relationship; however, the specific theory could be used in order to explain the forms and the needs of relationships in all aspects of human life. The most important contribution of the theory of Newman involves in the explanation of the aspects of health and its relationship with disease; by understanding the role and the framework of health, patients can develop more dynamic responses towards diseases. The latter is no more considered as having a radical effect on personal willingness to survive. Since disease is considered to be part of human life – just as health – it cannot highly affect patients. The latter are likely to regard disease as an aspect of life rather as a factor that can have a critical influence on their life. From this point of view, the theory of Newman helps towards the increase of self-esteem, a result of the increase of consciousness on which the theory of Newman is based. 2.4. Newman’s Theory of Health in practice As noted above, the effectiveness of theoretical frameworks, which have practical implications, like the theory examined in this paper, needs to be evaluated using empirical research – as possible. A test has been developed in regard to the effects of the theory of Newman in practice. The behaviour of patients in a specific healthcare unit has been observed; emphasis has been given on the methods employed by patients in order to face a series of critical problems. It should be noted that patients in the particular unit are terminally ill, thus their expectations in terms of social and economic activities are appropriately adjusted. Apart from their health problems, patients participated in the empirical research, had to face a series of additional difficulties – referring especially to the needs of the family and the liabilities developed in the context of a specific social and economic environment. The problems that patients faced across the specific unit were recorded – using a diary; at the next level, the findings were categorized using a series of criteria, like age, gender and type of illness. It was proved that the consciousness of people on health and disease is likely to be affected by the following criteria: a) their age; in young people the consciousness on health and disease is quite limited, b) their financial status; individuals of low financial status showed a higher level of consciousness compared to those with high financial status, c) their background – referring to their personal experiences but also to their family environment; it has been proved that people with strong family bonds are less likely to be negatively influenced by disease; moreover, those people showed a higher level of confidence compared to people with weak family bonds. No particular differentiation seems to exist in regard to the consciousness of men and women on health and disease. The quality of the relationship between those patients and their nurses has been also reported; it has been proved that those who are more consciousness on health and disease had a more proactive and cooperative relationship with their nurses. Therefore, the credibility of the findings of Newman in regard to health and consciousness has been fully proved. 2.5 Use of Newman’s Theory of Health by nurses The theory of Newman on Health – as this theory is described above – could be used by nurses in regard to the following point: the Newman’s Theory could help nurses to measure the level of consciousness of their patients on health and disease. The patients who would show higher levels of consciousness would be expected to cooperate and communicate more effectively with nurses. On the contrary, where the consciousness on health would be quite low, measures should be developed in order for people who are less conscious on health and disease to be appropriately informed and supported. In other words, nurses could use the Newman’s theory of Health in order to improve their relationship with their patients. Moreover, nurses could use the Newman theory in order to promote specific behavioural patterns within their healthcare unit. As noted above, the theory of Newman is mainly based on the pattern-based behaviour of individuals. In the context of this behaviour, individuals tend to imitate the behaviour of their social environment (Sitzman et al., 2010, p.187). In a healthcare setting, the use of the specific theory could lead to the development of specific practices – aligned with the common social behaviour or the needs of the particular patient. For instance, in healthcare units for individuals with mental problems, the theory of Newman could help towards the establishment of a relationship of trust between the individual and his setting. At the next level, the individual would be urged to proceed to a proactive activity – through imitating the relevant activities developed in the same area. Similar approaches could help nurses who work in healthcare units, which are used for the hospitalization of children with specific health problems. 3. Conclusion The development of models of behaviour within different social conditions is a challenging task; human behaviour has been strongly affected by the social environment. In the health sector also, the potentials of practitioners to respond to the needs of their patients are highly differentiated; patients also are likely to develop different perceptions in regard to health and disease; this fact influences the patient/nurse relationship in the context described above. In other terms, the use of theoretical models – like that of Newman – in the explanation of human behaviour can affect the form social relationships within a specific environment. An important characteristic of the theory of Newman is the fact that it offers a framework through which the interests of different parties can be served. On the other hand, the ability of individuals to respond to the needs of the specific theory is not standardized. The fact that the specific theory has been proved to perform well within specific social environments cannot lead to the assumption that this theory has not limitations or weaknesses. But its potential benefits are high – compared to the risks involved. For this reason, it should be used in every case that the health as consciousness needs to be promoted. References Alligood, M., Tomey, A. (2005) Nursing theorists and their work. New York: Elsevier Health Sciences Kim, H. (2000) The nature of theoretical thinking in nursing. New York: Springer Publishing Company Kim, H., Kollak, I. (2006) Nursing theories: conceptual & philosophical foundations. New York: Springer Publishing Company Newman, M. (2000). Health as Expanding Consciousness. Sudbury: Jones & Bartlett Learning Newman, M. (1995). A developing discipline: selected works of Margaret Newman. Sudbury: Jones & Bartlett Learning Nightingale, F. (1992). Notes on nursing: what it is, and what it is not. Birmingham, USA: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins Parker, M. (1990) Nursing theories in practice. Sudbury: Jones & Bartlett Learning Parse, R. (2001) Qualitative Inquiry: The Path of Sciencing. Sudbury: Jones & Bartlett Learning Picard, C., Jones, D. (2005) Giving voice to what we know: Margaret Newman's theory of health as expanding consciousness in nursing practice, research, and education. Sudbury: Jones & Bartlett Learning Sitzman, K., Eichelberger, L. (2010) Understanding the Work of Nurse Theorists: A Creative Beginning. Sudbury: Jones & Bartlett Learning Read More